4I4 A MUJDEKJN COMEDY
" The Panjoys------"
" Panjoys ! "
" Yes, sir; out for a good time at any cost—they
don't really count, of course. But Marjorie Ferrar is
frightfully in the limelight. She paints a bit; she's got
some si anding with the Press ; she dances ; she hunts ;
she's something of an actress ; she goes everywhere week-
ending. It's the week-ends that matter, where people
have nothing to do but talk. Were you ever at a week-end
party, sir ? "
" I ? " said Soames : " Good Lord—no ! *'
Michael smiled—incongruity, indeed, could go no
farther.
" We musi get one up for you at Lippinghall."
£C No, thank you."
" You're right, sir ; nothing more boring. But they're
the coulisses of politics. Fleur thinks they're good for me.
And Marjorie Ferrar knows all the people we know, and
lots more. It is awkward."
" I should go on as if nothing had happened," said
Soames : " But about that paper ? They ought to be
warned that this woman is venomous."
Michael regarded his father-in-law quizzically,
On entering, they found the man-servant in the hall.
tc There's a man to see you, sir, by the name of Bugfill."
" Oh ! Ah ! Where have you put him, Coaker ? "
" Well, I didn't know what to make of him, sir, he shakes
all over. I've stood him in the dining-room."
" Excuse me, sir," said Michael.
Soames passed into the c parlour/ where he found his
daughter and Francis Wilmot.
" Mr. Wilmot is leaving us, Father. You're just in time
to say good-bye."
If there were moments when Soames felt cordial, they